Annual report 2018

St. Pรถlten University of Applied Sciences

annual report 2018

shaping the future together

Preface

“St. Pölten currently focuses entirely on company start-ups and innovation, thus offering young entrepreneurs perfect conditions for turning their ideas into reality. In 2018, the programme for the promotion of St. Pölten as a location for innovation and startups was presented in collaboration with the Mag. Matthias Stadler St. Pölten University of Mayor of St. Pölten Applied Sciences (UAS).

Over the next few years, the city is going to implement targeted measures in order to promote development and create the best possible framework conditions for innovations. In this context, the UAS is known as a true talent factory as many graduates have successfully founded their own companies. It goes without saying that as a city, we are particularly pleased when the expertise stays in St. Pölten and as many businesses as possible stay here. It makes me proud that we have an educational institution such as the University of Applied Sciences in St. Pölten and I am looking forward to an exciting future with lots of ideas and innovations.”

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“Knowledge and education are what the future is made of. The attractive and diverse educational landscape shows that the federal state of Lower Austria is aware of its responsibility. One main focus in this context is the tertiary education sector Mag. Johanna Mikl-Leitner in Lower Austria which Governor of Lower Austria has advanced dynamically over the past years and decades and is characterised by a diverse and inviting range of programmes and offers.

This is especially true for the universities of applied sciences due to their close cooperation in the areas of research, teaching and practice. In addition to expertise, graduates are also equipped with a degree in a practice-oriented educational field and are therefore in great demand in the job market.

Two attributes that certainly apply to the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences are dynamic and successful. After more than 20 years of existence, the excellent and practice-oriented education of almost 7,000 graduates contributes to the fact that Lower Austria keeps on positioning itself among the most successful regions in Europe and will continue to do so in the future.

“In 2018, we took central steps in expanding the St. Pölten UAS. In terms of content, we were able to broaden our portfolio by introducing five new study programmes in the fields of media, digital technologies and IT & security. By doing this, we establish an even better relationship Dr. Maria Gabriela with the job market and Fernandes hence are able to offer Executive Director our graduates excellent career opportunities. What is particularly pleasing is the sustainable advancement in the areas of research, development and innovation – with a turnover of 2.7 million euros, we were once again able to positon ourselves as one of the most research-intensive universities of applied sciences in Austria. We would like to thank all parties who contributed (and keep contributing) their creativity and willingness to shape our university for a very successful year of 2018. A warm thank you to our institutional partners, staff members, students and lecturers. Your commitment was the key to a successful year!”

“2018 was once again a successful year for the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. Both the number of students as well as the number of full-time employees and lecturers kept on growing over the past year. We are a key player in the higher education sector of Lower Austria and one Dipl.-Ing. Gernot Kohl, MSc of the most important Executive Director employers of the region.

Strong growth also requires a solid financial foundation and, most of all, a common ground when it comes to the practiced university culture. The motto responsible for the St. Pölten University of Applied Science’s story of success is „Shaping the future together“. In this annual report, we demonstrate how the process of working together in research, teaching and administration and in collaboration with external partners brings significant advantages for all parties involved. We hope you enjoy reading our report!”

I also want to extend a special thank you to the staff members and teachers who contribute greatly to the university’s success story.

On that note, I wish the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences all the best for the future!”

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Management Summary 2018 was a year of growth and advancement for the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences.

The St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences can look back on a very successful year. The fact that the number of students has grown steadily shows that the St. Pölten UAS offers a sustainable and future-oriented range of study and further education programmes in line with the current developments in economy and society. Five new study programmes in the fields of Data Science, Digital Media Technologies and Financial Communications provide students with top career opportunities in future-oriented industries characterised by digitalisation – as proven by an almost 100-percent employment rate of our graduates.

The year 2018 marked the beginning of our new strategy period until 2021 which focuses on continuous further development in the three defined performance areas of Academic Training & Further Education, Applied Research & Development, and Knowledge Transfer & Innovation. In addition to the strength of existing competencies and the interdisciplinarity of teaching and research, we continuously enhance our teaching methods and quality. In order to prepare students for new and dynamic working environments in the best possible way, methodological, social and individual competencies as well as innovative teaching methods are given even greater priority than before.

and international research projects enabled the UAS to increase its revenues in the fields of research, development and innovation to more than 2.7 million EUR. One milestone, for example, was the foundation of the Austrian Blockchain Center whose segment for Emerging Industries and Blockchain in Industry 4.0 is headed by the St. Pölten UAS. Through international networking in research and student mobility, the St. Pölten UAS consistently pursues a path of internationalisation. In 2018, the UAS raised the number of its partner universities to a total of 141, thus offering its students an attractive international environment.

The large number of national and international collaborations and partnerships emphasises the endeavour of the St. Pölten UAS to share its knowledge and expertise with society. For this reason, the introductory chapter of this annual report concentrates on the topic of “shaping the future together”. It examines the many ways in which the St. Pölten UAS promotes exchange and cooperation: from interdisciplinary research and close collaboration with the students in teaching to the close exchange between staff members.

The St. Pölten UAS was once more among the universities of applied sciences with the strongest research focus in Austria in 2018. Numerous national

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141

Highlights 2018

141 Partner Universities

2021 1,122 2018 to 2021: New Strategic Period at the St. Pölten UAS

After the successful completion of the previous strategic period, the St. Pölten UAS is now working on implementing the seven cornerstones of the current strategy until 2021. Those are: n further development in all performance areas n clear positioning in relation to different contents n advancement of teaching n strengthening of internationalisation n intelligent use of digitalisation n promotion of an open learning and innovation culture n advancements in research and knowledge transfer.

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2.7

A Turnover of 2.7 Million Euros in Research, Development and Innovation With 105 research projects, the St. Pölten UAS was able to generate a research turnover of 2.7 million euros which corresponds to almost 10% of the total revenue.

1,122 Full-Time and Part-Time Staff Members

were permanently employed at the St. Pölten UAS by the end of 2018 – the largest number of employees yet. The University of Applied Sciences is one of the most important employers in the region.

from 31 countries collaborate closely with the St. Pölten UAS. In 2018, the UAS concluded partnerships with universities from China, South Korea, Czech Republic and Argentina.

5 New Study Programmes were launched in the autumn of 2018: Data Science and Business Analytics, Economic and Financial Communications, Digital Design, Digital Media Production, and Interactive Technologies.

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2 Annual Topics have already been tackled by the University of Applied Sciences Board: in 2017/18, the UAS focused on “ethics” whereas in 2018/19, the key topic was “sustainable development”. The annual topics serve as a way for the UAS Board to address and treat relevant social issues – this includes lectures, public film series, discussions, etc.

2 3,219 Number of Students Climbs to 3,219

In the past year, the St. Pölten UAS once again showed a growth in student numbers: more than 2,600 students are enrolled in study programmes as full-time students in addition to 550 external students who complete further educational training programmes at the St. Pölten UAS.

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shaping the future together This is the motto of the St. Pรถlten UAS. Collaborations with the industry and society promote the sharing of knowledge. As one of the most important employers of the region, the St. Pรถlten UAS offers room for individual growth and interdisciplinary work.

shaping the future together

At the St. Pölten UAS, close interdisciplinary collaboration is the key to success – in teaching, research and the administrative field.

Shaping the Future Together “Shaping the future together” is a crucial part of the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences’ corporate culture: We work together in interdisciplinary teams to foster innovation and meet the challenges of the future. We develop future-oriented study programmes

and use modern didactic methods to ensure that our students have outstanding career opportunities. For this reason, we are in constant dialogue with students, colleagues, companies, institutions and society.

Shaping the Future with Teaching In the field of teaching, the main objective of the St. Pölten UAS is to offer future-oriented study and educational programmes which prepare students for the dynamic job market requirements in the best possible way. The St. Pölten UAS organises innovative educational programmes in collaboration with its partners.

For its students, the St. Pölten UAS is a place of personal growth with many different ways of participating – either in the form of in-course projects or in the framework of additional programmes such as the Creative Pre-Incubator.

Shaping the Future with Research The St. Pölten UAS offers room for innovation – because present-day challenges need new and creative solutions and ideas. The researchers here at St. Pölten UAS make it their everyday task to work on finding modern solutions and thus actively contribute to shaping our future. A key element is interdisciplinary collaboration since the challenges of the future do not adhere to the limits of disciplines.

The St. Pölten UAS as an Employer: Shaping the Future Together, Growing as an Individual For more than 330 full-time employees of the St. Pölten UAS, working in interdisciplinary teams is a regular part of their job. Due to the Employer Branding project of last year in the course of which a new employer brand was developed, most staff members value the many possibilities of shaping the future of the St. Pölten UAS. As an employer, the St. Pölten UAS makes a point of interdisciplinary, team-oriented collaboration and offers numerous opportunities for individual growth. Close contact with the business community as well as the ongoing collaboration with companies, institutions and partner organisations ensure a vivid exchange.

The different ways of participating and collaborating at the UAS are valued by many 10

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Designing Future-Oriented Teaching The St. Pölten UAS offers its students a range of future-oriented study programmes with a focus on practice-oriented curricula and innovative knowledge transfer: modern didactic methods and concepts are firmly anchored in teaching, thus preparing the students for the working world in the best possible way.

Soft and Social Skills In order to prepare its students for the diverse requirements of the working world, the St. Pölten UAS imparts to them not only specialist skills but also social, methodological and self-skills. For instance, the students also acquire competencies in the fields of presentation, self-reflexion, problem-solving and languages. These general skills are sought-after in all professional fields and equip the graduates with a decisive advantage in the labour market.

Pursuing Individual Ideas In collaboration with the start-up service accent, the St. Pölten UAS developed the Creative Pre-Incubator in 2014, a support programme for students and alumni with business aspirations. The programme covering two semesters offers the teams individual guidance, coachings and advice, with experts introducing them to the start-up scene. In 2018, a total of eight teams were supported within the framework of the programme and given the opportunity to further develop their innovative business ideas.

In addition, as of the winter semester 2018/19, the St. Pölten UAS has been offering a new and innovative elective module: in the Interdisciplinary Lab (iLab), students form mixed and international teams who work intensively on a practice-relevant project for one semester – from the original idea to its concrete implementation. In this context, the students learn to address current social challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective and gain a broader understanding of the subject area which forms the basis of their studies. 23 students from eight countries and six different fields of study already participated in the first round of the iLab. Furthermore, the Departments of Media & Digital Technologies and Media & Economics have been offering a new interdisciplinary course for master students since the autumn of 2018. With the support of mentors from the business world, the students have the opportunity to turn project ideas into reality together and prepare necessary steps towards self-employment.

Overview of Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods n Block Teaching Intensive work on a topic over a period of two to four weeks | Exams at the end of the block n Game-Based Learning Playful approach to teaching content | Use of digital and analogue games, simulations, etc. n Blended Learning Combining the advantages of attendance-based classes and E-learning | Self-organised and independent learning n Small Groups with Peer Assessment Students contribute their own questions and work on them in small groups | Students analyse and evaluate each other’s learning outcomes. n Inverted Classroom Independent preparation for attendance periods | Use of digital media

“A number of different course concepts allow for variation in teaching and we acquire not only technical knowledge but also soft skills. Working together with companies in projects gives us the opportunity to put our knowledge into practice and develop solutions to real-life business problems.”

Stephanie Stadler, BA Student of the master’s programme Digital Media Management

“I fell in love with the idea of the iLab – solving real problems together with people from all over the world is a unique and magnificent experience. One semester at the iLab taught me more than 100 hours of normal class.”

Martin Kazík Student of marketing at the partner university Zlin and iLab participant

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Interview: “Close Exchange with Externals“ An interview with Monika Vyslouzil, Chairwoman of the St. Pölten UAS Board, and Katalin Szondy, Head of Service Unit Higher Education Management: How does the St. Pölten UAS go about designing a future-oriented range of study programmes?

Szondy: It all starts at the development stage of the degree programmes which follows a predefined process at the UAS. We have one person each in charge of university innovation and programme development who are the first point of contact for new education projects and also offer personal counselling and support. In this way, we can make sure that development projects are professionally monitored from the beginning and meet our high quality standards.

Vyslouzil: Many ideas for new degree programmes also come from our close ties between teaching and research: current research or student projects and the resulting insights often provide the impetus for the development or redesign of study programmes.

FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Monika Vyslouzil 14

Chairwoman of the St. Pölten UAS Board

What role do external influences such as the labour market situation play in designing the range of study programmes?

Vyslouzil: In principle, they play a very important role.

We are, however, dependent on the financing of study places which has a strong focus on the MINT subjects. In the past, we nevertheless always succeeded in developing different new educational programmes as well, for instance through the redistribution of study places.

Szondy: Moreover, we are in very close contact with the business world. Our development teams always include external experts from companies and the scientific community in order to guarantee the highest possible level of practical relevance. In this way, we can make sure that our study programmes offer the best career opportunities. One particular example is our dual study programme Smart Engineering in which training is provided by our lecturers and company partners.

How important are didactics in the study programmes of the St. Pölten UAS? Szondy: Didactic considerations already play a role in the development of study programmes because they are closely linked to the organisational form (full-time or part-time) Vyslouzil: Didactics in general are a priority at the UAS and the application of innovative teaching formats is promoted explicitly. All full-time lecturers of the St. Pölten UAS have to complete the “Hochschuldidaktisches Zertifikat” (certificate of didactics in higher education) – a course of higher education didactics that we offer through our Service and Competence Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning (SKILL).

This is quite unique in the university landscape and our lecturers appreciate it a lot. We are particularly pleased that we won two prizes in the Ars Docendi, the national award for innovative university-level teaching, in 2018.

To what degree can the students of the UAS participate in the design of study programmes?

Szondy: Students and alumni can get involved in the (further) development of study programmes, for example in the form of questionnaires, focus group discussions and the course evaluations which are held at regular intervals. In addition, the students are part of the accreditation process as well and can introduce their ideas to the Board and all of its committees.

Vyslouzil: Moreover, the students have a lot of opportunities to take part in the course design, too: there is project work involved in all study programmes, often in cooperation with companies, which involves students presenting their own ideas and setting priorities.

Another recent example is the iLab – a new elective module which allows students to address current social challenges in an interdisciplinary manner and develop innovative solutions together.

Mag. Dr. Katalin Szondy Head of Service Unit Higher Education Management

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Numerous Cooperations Provide Added Value for Students and Society

UAS Friends Association The Friends Association of the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences serves as a link between the UAS, the industry, the parents and the students. The awarding of scholarships was comprehensively revised in 2018. From now on, we are going to work closely together with the project vernissage. The goal is to be able to carry out fascinating projects with the financial means of the UAS Friends Association, thus promoting innovation. In terms of content, one highlight was the book presentation of James R. Klein who extensively discussed the content of his work “Global Business” with the guests of the event.

As a university, we are now – more than ever – moving within networks.

Among the many positive effects of this are innovative educational offers tailored to the demands of the labour market, groundbreaking research beyond the boundaries of disciplines and countries, and successful growth in harmony with the region.

In this context, the ongoing close exchange with partners from all areas and disciplines is an important cornerstone of our work since it makes sure that we always keep pace with the times. We deliberately open our minds to new ideas, opinions and approaches from outside – and we appreciate these valuable new perspectives every day. The strong external networking activities are an essential pillar of our path to success.

“From the recognition of education times to the intensive exchange in the area of IT security as well as the close collaboration in the conception of study programmes: the varied cooperation with the St. Pölten UAS offers pupils and students the ideal framework conditions to develop their potentials.”

Dipl.-Ing. Martin Pfeffel Headmaster of the HTL St. Pölten

“Training in Vienna, studying in St. Pölten: the dual study programme – which is unique in Austria – allows the participants to put their theoretical knowledge into practice at Siemens right away. Modern teaching and learning methods and approaches prepare our graduates for work in the field of Industry 4.0 in the best way possible.”

“The international collaboration with the St. Pölten UAS is fruitful for both students and the two universities. We are thus recognising the need for professional internationalisation.”

Alex Klein

Gerhard Zummer

Lecturer in Social Sciences at the

Head of Siemens Professional Edu-

Saxion University of Applied Sciences

cation

in Enschede (Netherlands)

“The St. Pölten UAS offers its students a practice-oriented education and excellent preparation for their professional career.

This is all the more true, as we here at the Chamber of Labour (AK) Lower Austria observe the changes in the professional world and see how the requirements for employees and the need for (further) education is constantly growing.”

Günter Karner Head of the Department of Apprenticeship and Education Policy, AK Lower Austria

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KIF – Cryptography with Integration of Radio Measurement Data Over the course of the project, researchers develop a new technique for encrypting data in the field of autonomous driving and the Internet of Things. Technology should ensure secure communication when it comes to future computer technologies (keyword quantum computer).

Researching Innovations Together Application-oriented research and innovation have a high priority at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. The researchers deal with present-day challenges in interdisciplinary teams and work on the latest research questions in cross-institutional settings – here are a few examples:

UmBrello The interdisciplinary exploratory project UmBrello deals with the feasibility of a communication and service platform for older people in rural areas. It is based on the results of the project BRELOMATE in the course of which an easy-to-use, cost-effective portal for the elderly was developed. The project UmBrello researches how to extend the platform to include additional functions.

Project management: Johannes Pflegerl | Departments: Social Sciences, Media and Digital Technologies | The project is funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). The regional planning committee Pielachtal (Regionalplanungsgemeinschaft Pielachtal) is a project partner.

CargoRider In the project “CargoRider”, researchers developed a platform for a cheap and sustainable way of travelling by cargo ship. The project’s goal is to make travelling by cargo ship easier and more entertaining, facilitate flexible planning and make it affordable for young travellers.

Project management: Frank Michelberger | Departments: Rail Technology and Mobility, Media and Digital Technologies, Media and Economics | The project is financed by the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology within the scope of its programme “Mobility of the Future”. The company bitsfabrik is a project partner.

ReMoCap-Lab In the framework of the project, a new lab for 3D motion and movement analysis is developed at the St. Pölten UAS. The “ReMoCap-Lab” (Laboratory for Capturing Motion and Augmenting Environment in Motor Rehabilitation) will be the centre of expertise in the areas of Rehabilitation, Motion Analysis, Visual Analytics, Machine Learning and Mixed Reality.

Project management: Brian Horsak | Departments: Health Sciences, Media and Digital Technologies | The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs in the framework of the programme COIN developed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

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Project management: Ernst Piller | Departments: Computer Science and Security, Media and Economics | The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology and is financed in the framework of the Austrian Security Research Programme KIRAS. Project partners are Cryptas IT-Security GmbH, the Federal Ministry of Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs (BMEIA), ASFINAG and the Federal Ministry of Defense and Sports (BMLVS).

Immersive Media Lab Within the scope of the project, an Immersive Media Lab is created for cross-disciplinary projects. The aim of the project is to provide space and equipment for existing Augmented and Virtual Reality initiatives of the St. Pölten UAS. Therefore, existing knowledge about technology and workflows is consolidated and new knowledge about the possibility of digital storytelling in Augmented and Virtual Reality can be developed.

K1 COMET Blockchain Center The Austrian Blockchain Center is the world’s biggest Blockchain competence centre which will represent the focus of interdisciplinary competences in the areas of basic knowledge and the application of Blockchain technologies. The St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences forms part of the centre by leading one of the five divisions on the topic “Emerging Industries & Blockchain in Industry 4.0”.

Project management: Franziska Bruckner | Department: Media and Digital Technologies, Centre for Digital Health Innovation (CDHI) | The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs in the framework of the programme COIN developed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

Project management: Franz Fidler | Department: Media and Digital Technologies | The centre is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs and the participating federal states.

The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the project.

More information at research.fhstp.ac.at

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How Do We Shape Our Future?

“At the Institute of Health Sciences, we have chosen an interdisciplinary approach to finding new technology-based solutions for present-day challenges in medicine. The collaboration with the technology department allows us to apply methods from Machine Learning, Visual Analytics and Augmented/Mixed Reality to develop new solutions in the clinical practice of gait and motor rehabilitation. The aim of our research is to actively shape the future of motor rehabilitation.”

“In the future, it will become even more important to encourage target groups and recipients to get actively involved in shaping the research process. By doing this, we make sure to address people’s needs. One research focus is on the topic of inclusion, also in regards to our increasingly pluralistic society.”

FH-Prof. Mag. Dr.

“Researchers have the privilege of dealing with the world of tomorrow. Our work often starts with a small idea that has the power to make a big difference. Good traffic and mobility research is always driven by the desire to improve the system. We currently focus on the interaction between man and machine or traffic systems since it is crucial for efficient and sustainable mobility.”

Johannes Pflegerl Head of the Ilse Arlt Institute for So-

FH-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Dipl.-Ing.

cial Inclusion Research

Frank Michelberger, EURAIL-Ing.

“Research is becoming more and more complex, which is why collaboration and interdisciplinarity are becoming increasingly important as well. When it comes to fields with a technological focus, research in the EU needs to grow significantly, all the while putting the human being, our living situation and our environment in the spotlight. Among other projects, our research is currently focusing on ensuring information security in the time of total digitalisation.”

Head of the Carl Ritter von Ghega

FH-Prof. Univ.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.

FH-Prof. Dr. Brian Horsak

Institute for Integrated Mobility

Ernst Piller

Senior Researcher, Institute of Health

Research

UAS Lecturer, Department of Com-

Sciences

puter Science and Security

“The groundbreaking technology Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) at the Institute of Creative\Media/Technologies serves as an interface between research and application. This focus is currently being sustainably extended by two large-scale projects funded by the FFG. While the Immersive Media Lab combines the latest technical AR/VR expertise with immersive storytelling, Mixed Reality Based Collaboration for Industry (MRBC4I) deals with the prototypical implementation and evaluation of AR/VR use cases in the industrial environment. The scientific scope of both projects impressively shows the interdisciplinary research approach of our institute.”

“Digitalisation changes both individual and institutionalised communication behaviour, which requires a rethinking of existing business models of media companies and social implications.

One of our key tasks for media (at the micro, meso and macro levels) is to generate added value from the variety of structured and unstructured data which are “produced” digitally. For example, we are researching how data from social media can be used in the music industry or how a software framework can help resolve legal issues when reusing external data sources.”

FH-Prof. Mag. (FH) Dr. Johanna Grüblbauer Senior Researcher, Deputy Head of

Mag. Mag. Dr. Franziska Bruckner

Research, Insitute of Media Econom-

Head of the Research Group Media

ics

Creation, Institute of Creative\Media/ Technologies FH-Prof. Dr. Thomas Moser Head of the Research Group Digital Technologies, Institute of Creative\ Media/Technologies

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Working at the St. Pölten UAS The St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences is one of the most important employers in its region. Team-oriented collaboration across disciplines, personal exchange with students and colleagues, and numerous opportunities for further personal development make working at the UAS interesting and varied.

Working at the St. Pölten UAS means having a job with added value. The structured onboarding, including a mentoring programme, provides all employees with an orientation from the beginning. Continuous further training (both in-house and external), career models and individual qualification agreements promote the professional development of staff members in teaching, research, management and administration.

Workplace Health Promotion The health and well-being of its staff members are a top priority for the St. Pölten UAS which, in close cooperation with the employees, makes an effort to constantly improve the working conditions and personal health competence. The “FHit!” programme for workplace health promotion launched in 2018 aims at taking concrete measures for health promotion and creating suitable framework conditions for sustained health at the institutional and personal levels.

Finding Solutions We give our people freedom to innovate – because we know that the challenges we currently face demand new solutions and ideas. Our work is diverse by nature, and interdisciplinary collaboration with other teams enables us to grow personally and professionally. We also attach great importance to promoting personal development.

New Employer Brand In a multi-level participatory process, the St. Pölten UAS developed a new employer brand designed to let the staff members feel and experience the values of the UAS as an employer even more clearly than before.

In addition to the guiding principle “Shaping the future together, growing as an individual”, three new employer values were defined as well: “Finding ways, sharing ideas, creating values”.

The motto “Shaping the future together, growing as an individual” expresses what the St. Pölten UAS stands for as an employer: diverse design possibilities, team-oriented and varied collaboration, and room for individual further development and personal growth.

Gender & Diversity For years now, the St. Pölten UAS has been taking targeted in-house measures to anchor gender and diversity in teaching, research and the UAS service units. In addition to programmes honouring Diversity Day and Women’s Day as well as participation in the “Divörsity 2018” day of action, the UAS also organised measures such as specific further trainings for teaching and administrative staff. The UAS Statutes have been enhanced to include a chapter on “Gender equality and the promotion of women” as well as measures against sexual harassment. Furthermore, the St. Pölten UAS launch a childcare offer for staff members during school holidays in 2018.

“The St. Pölten UAS allows me to work on innovative solutions to current challenges together with colleagues from all kinds of disciplines.

The development of the new study programme Data Science and Business Analytics is a good example.”

“For me, ‘Finding Solutions’ means being open for change and daring to think outside the box. Many good solutions result from the exchange with colleagues and from the willingness to learn from each other.”

Dipl.-Ing. Mag. Marlies Temper, Bakk.

Martina Jaschke

Academic Director Data Science and

Assistant, Campus and Study Centre

Business Analytics

“Our current project ‘IntelliGait’ is an excellent example of how fascinating and enriching disciplinary work can be on a daily basis. In addition to improving my abilities in the field of machine learning, I get the chance to discover other exciting areas such as gait analysis.”

Dipl.-Ing. Djordje Slijepčević, BSc Junior Researcher, Institute of Creative\Media/Technologies

fhstp.ac.at/career

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Sharing Ideas We put people first, and personal contact is our top priority. We share our knowledge with students, colleagues, partners and the public. Teamwork brings us closer together and promotes communication – between disciplines and far beyond Austria’s borders.

“In order to give as many students and colleagues as possible the opportunity to gain experiences abroad, a large part of my daily work involves sharing complex knowledge about partner universities, funding programmes, administrative processes etc. and seeking both internal and external exchange.”

Mag. Mag. Daniela Lohner

“There is an incredible wealth of knowledge, creativity and innovative potential already available at the St. Pölten UAS. Sharing this wealth promotes mutual understanding and a more effective collaboration – a teamwork process that takes place every day within a field of expertise but also in interdisciplinary projects, through lectures at conferences, and through publications.”

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“The diversity of the people at the UAS is accompanied by a diversity of ideals. Through reflexion, exchange and understanding, we can live both future-oriented and traditional values and carry them out into the world.”

„Across all disciplines and occupational groups, teaching and education are basic tools for social cohesion. At the UAS, the joint further development and implementation of democratic processes can be practised on a daily basis.”

„The railway is more than a mode of transport. As a connecting element between people, regions and the environment, it represents an important value which is supposed to be increased through little puzzle pieces in the form of research and teaching.”

FH-Prof. Mag. Wolfgang Römer

Mag. Ulrike Wieländer

UAS Lecturer, Department of Media

Research and Knowledge Transfer,

FH-Prof. DSA Mag. (FH)

FH-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.

and Economics

Gender and Diversity Officer

Christine Haselbacher

Bernhard Rüger

Junior Researcher, Institute of Health

Head of Department of Social Sci-

UAS Lecturer, Department of Rail

Sciences

ences

Technology and Mobility

Section Head Outgoing Student Mobility, Office for International Relations

“The sharing of knowledge alone leads to education. However, it is when students and lecturers are driven by curiosity that they can truly grow as individuals. Curiosity is the burning desire to find out what there is to know in the world. Let us create a culture that makes room for the unknown and new!”

Creating Values We are a leading player in the Lower Austrian higher education landscape and one of the region’s most important employers. The university has grown steadily in the past few years and during this time we have continuously expanded our range of degree programmes and our research activities. Our forward-looking training programmes are tailored to the current requirements of the labour market – which translates into excellent career opportunities for our graduates. We take our responsibilities to society seriously and we are committed to promoting sustainable development.

Caterine Schwab, MSc

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The numbers paint a positive picture The positive trend of recent years continued in 2018: continuous growth and development in all service units, further development of the study programmes as well as an enhanced international cooperation between economic and scientific sectors.

facts & figures

Finances & Infrastructure

Facts & Figures

The total revenues of Fachhochschule St. Pölten GmbH including the wholly-owned subsidiary Fachhochschule St. Pölten GmbH amounted to 28.3* million EUR in the business year 2018.

Numerous investments pave the way for further growth in the years to come.

Total Revenues in million EUR

0.7 million EUR 28.9 28.3*

other revenues

1.1 million EUR

24.6 Lower Austria now holds a stake of 26 percent, while 74 percent continue to be in the hands of Hochschulen St. Pölten Holding GmbH, which is 100 percent owned by the state capital St. Pölten. Central service units of the St. Pölten UAS have been integrated into the holding company in order to ensure the best possible synergies with the newly founded Bertha von Suttner Private University.

A groundbreaking expansion will turn the St. Pölten UAS into the future-oriented “Campus St. Pölten”, thus further reinforcing the position of the St. Pölten UAS’ as a central player in the Lower Austrian university landscape.

On the next pages, we provide you with information regarding the facts and figures of the year 2018.

For the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, the year 2018 was characterised by steady growth in all areas of performance. By expanding the range of courses offered and establishing five new study programmes, the UAS managed to set new standards in the future-oriented education of its students. The St. Pölten UAS generated total revenues in the amount of 28.3 million EUR in 2018 – a solid foundation for the years to come.

The ownership structure of the St. Pölten UAS has changed since February 2018: The federal state of

Dr. Maria Gabriela Fernandes Dipl.-Ing. Gernot Kohl, MSc Executive Directors

17.6

18.5

22.6

28.3*

2.7 million EUR revenues from research, development, innovation (incl.

ForschungsGmbH)

Total Revenues 2018: 28.3 million EUR*

23.8 million EUR revenues from teaching 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Investments in thousands of EUR 2018

1.248

2017

1.317

117

130 130

Operating, business, office and lecture hall equipment FH-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Hannes Raffaseder Authorised Signatory FH-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Johann Haag Member of the Management Board

Library Complete inventory of catalogued media from 2011 to 2018

Management Board of the St. Pölten UAS

40.000

1.495 104 1.551

Software Library

44.356

Complete inventory 2018

30.000

1,864 DVDs

20.000

5,061 Journals**

10.000

3,924 Diploma theses

0

28

20.2 21.1

revenues from further education

33,525 Monographs 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

* The decline compared to 2017 is due to the restructuring between FH St. Pölten GmbH and Hochschulen St. Pölten Holding GmbH. As per 01/01/2018, 16 staff members were reallocated to the latter. The shareholder contributions of the state capital St. Pölten remain with Hochschulen St. Pölten Holding GmbH, thus covering the costs of the central university service units. ** Subscriptions (in print and electronic form)

29

Staff

Total general staff*

Part-time teaching staff

The St. Pölten UAS managed to increase the number of its staff members once again in 2018, thus reinforcing its position as an important employer in the region.

536 38

251

96 787 757

Total full-time staff* as of 31/12/2018

+4%

-2%

Full-time teaching staff & Academic Directors 137

134

177

158

2017

+6%

74

335

315

2018

Academic staff

58

46

+10% 120

23

+19%

132

69

58 2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

Habilitations and doctorates in teaching & research staff Staff members with completed habilitations and doctorates … … among full-time teaching staff, Academic Directors and research assistants

56

54 2017

2018

… in doctorate programmes (as of the end of the year)

17 2017

24

933 training days The staff members of the St. Pölten UAS completed a total of 933 training days in 2018 – this equals almost three years.

2018 * Excluding the staff of Hochschulen St. Pölten Holding GmbH

30

31

Students

3,219

The number of students continued to grow last year: there are currently 2,667 students in bachelor and master degree programmes, and 552 in further education programmes

Development of student numbers 3,000

229

Students 1998/99

3,219

Students 2018/19

2,500 Regular students by sex

Regular students by bachelor and master degree programmes Master 672

2.667

1.302

Regular students External students

2,000

2.667

1.365

1.995 Bachelor 1,500 Students by departments Media & Digital Technologies

779

Media & Economics

621

Health Sciences Social Sciences

358

Computer Science & Security Rail Technology & Mobility

1,000

393

346

170 500

Facts

22 653 32

Study programmes

Graduates

636

Subsidised study places for bachelor programme beginners

273

Subsidised study places for master programme beginners

552

229

External students in further education programmes 0

1998/99

2008/09

2018/19

33

Research & International Affairs

International Mobility

At 2.7 million EUR, the research turnover (including innovation projects) remained at a high level. In addition, the St. Pölten UAS – together with its subsidiary Fachhochschule St. Pölten ForschungsGmbH – took important steps with regard to student and staff mobility once again.

69 Financed by third-party funds*

36 Contract research

2,653,242 EUR Revenues from research & development + innovation projects

+3%

General staff outgoing

76

74

345,276 EUR

105

30

+160%

-7%

15 2017/2018

2016/2017

2017/2018

2016/2017

Turnover from projects financed by third-party funds

With coordination task

Students incoming 80

Inter­national

Teaching staff incoming

General staff incoming

-19% 65 +6%

38

36

8

Publications

2017/18

61

2016/17

64

Books

Other publications

6 39

13

27

53

With peer review

Conference contributions (all with peer review)

Journal articles

Book contributions

Books

Other publications

6 20

11

24

51

With peer review

Conference contributions Book (all with peer review) contributions

172

2017/2018

2016/2017

International trainees

152

2017/2018

2016/2017

Partner universities

Total**

+8%

141

130

80

-6%

2016/2017

75

2017/2018

2017

2016/2017

0%

8 2017/2018

The five most popular host countries: n n n n n

Total**

* Number of projects financed actively and by means of research funding (EU; FFG; other funding agencies, financed predominantly by federal funds) within the observation period (01/01 – 31/12) ** First editions of specialist and teaching books published with reference to the St. Pölten UAS (not self-published), not self-published trade journals or compilations (excluding conference publications), proceedings (full papers and abstracts), poster contributions within the framework of international scientific conventions or other scientific publications.

34

2017/2018

2016/2017

2,170,054 EUR

1

Journal articles

39

28

Turnover from contract research

Research projects

30

Teaching staff outgoing

Students outgoing

Spain Ireland Belgium Germany Netherlands

2018

35

Staff Full-time staff

Tables

2017

2018

change

315

335

6%

Female

163

177

10%

Male

152

158

4%

Total full-time staff (full-time equivalents)*** | ****

243

249

2%

Full-time teaching staff & Academic Directors (number of persons)***

120

132

10%

Female

48

58

21%

Male

72

74

3%

89

95

7%

30

32

7%

58

69

19%

Female

22

23

5%

Male

36

46

28%

Scientific staff (full-time equivalents)

42

49

17%

Total staff with R&D activities (full-time equivalents)

72

81

13%

137

134

-2%

Female

93

96

3%

Male

44

38

-14%

112

105

-6%

SS 17/ WS 17

SS 18/ WS 18

change

757

787

4%

Female

246

251

2%

Male

511

536

5%

Total full-time staff (number of persons)*** | ****

Detailed figures regarding the St. Pölten UAS*

Finances

Full-time teaching staff & Academic Directors (full-time equivalents) Share of R&D activity (full-time equivalents)

Revenues and investments

2017

2018

change

Total revenues in million EUR**

28,9

28,3

-2%

1.551

1.495

-4%

in the library

104

130

25%

in software

130

117

-10%

1.317

1.248

-5%

Sum of investments in thousands of EUR

in operating, business, office and lecture hall equipment

Revenues 2018

In thousands of EUR

In percent

23.867

84%

Research, development, innovation incl. ForschungsGmbH

2.653

9%

Other

1.085

4%

Teaching

Scientific Staff (number of persons)

Total general staff (number of persons)****

Total general staff (full-time equivalents)****

Part-time teaching staff Part-time teaching staff (number of persons)

Habilitations and doctorates among teaching and research staff members

2017

2018

Staff members with completed habilitations and doctorates among full-time teaching staff members, Academic Directors and research assistants

54

56

In doctoral studies

17

24

107

121

Other full-time teaching staff, Academic Directors and research assistants

* As per 31/12/2018, unless indicated otherwise ** The decline compared to 2017 is due to the restructuring between FH St. Pölten GmbH and Hochschulen St. Pölten Holding GmbH. As per 01/01/2018, 16 staff members were reallocated to the latter. The shareholder contributions of the state capital St. Pölten remain with Hochschulen St. Pölten Holding GmbH, thus covering the costs of the central university service units. *** Including FH St. Pölten ForschungsGmbH **** Excluding the staff members of Hochschulen St. Pölten Holding GmbH

36

37

Research & development

Study programmes and further education programmes*

2017

2018

change

104

105

1%

Contract research

41

36

-12%

Projects financed by third-party funds**

63

69

10%

32

30

-6%

1

1

0%

2.497

2.515

1%

305

345

12%

Projects financed by third-party funds in thousands of EUR**

2.189

2.170

-1%

National

2.130

2.163

2%

59

7

-88%

2017

2018

change

17

22

29%

2.501

2.667

7%

Female

1.270

1.365

7%

Male

1.231

1.302

6%

With coordination task

1.837

1.995

9%

International

460

672

46%

Number of study programmes Total number of regular students (excluding incomings)

in bachelor degree programmes in master degree programmes

Number of research projects

Turnover from research projects in thousands of EUR

Contract research in thousands of EUR Students by departments Media & Economics

577

621

8%

Media & Digital Technologies

707

779

10%

Computer Science & Security

297

346

16%

Turnover innovation projects in thousands of EUR

Rail Technology & Mobility

174

170

-2%

Publications*** (research and teaching)

Health Sciences

394

393

0%

Social Sciences

352

358

2%

Subsidised study places

878

909

4%

Study places for bachelor degree programme beginners

627

636

1%

Study places for master degree programme beginners

251

273

9%

574

552

-4%

Female

369

361

-2%

Male

205

191

-7%

Graduates

845

653

-23%

Study programmes

645

607

-6%

Further education programmes

200

48

-77%

* As per 15/11/2018

38

138 152

172

13%

2017

2018

change

64

61

-5%

24

27

13%

51

53

4%

6

6

0%

Book contributions

20

39

95%

Other publications

11

13

18%

Publications

Journal articles With peer review Conference contributions (all with peer review)

Further education programmes External students (summer semester 2017 and winter semester 2017/18)

International

Books

** Number of projects financed actively and by means of research funding (EU; FFG; other funding agencies, financed predominantly by federal funds) within the observation period (01/01 – 31/12) *** First editions of specialist and teaching books published with reference to the St. PÜlten UAS (not self-published), not self-published trade journals or compilations (excluding conference publications), proceedings (full papers and abstracts), poster contributions within the framework of international scientific conventions or other scientific publications.

39

International

Partner Universities

Library 2017

2018

change

130

141

8%

2017

2018

41.517

44.356

31.946

33.525

Diploma theses

3.418

3.924

Journals

4.259

5.061

DVDs

1.894

1.846

22.356

16.346

Complete inventory of catalogued media

Monographs International mobility

2016/2017

2017/2018

change

Students

Outgoing

74

76

3%

Incoming

80

65

-19%

Outgoing

30

28

-7%

Incoming

36

38

6%

Outgoing

15

39

160%

Incoming

8

8

0%

80

75

-6%

Total number of library lending

Teachers

General Staff

International Interns

40

41

Imprint | Publisher, Proprietor and Editor: Fachhochschule St. Pölten GmbH, Matthias Corvinus-Straße 15, 3100 St. Pölten | www.fhstp.ac.at | Responsible for Content: Dr. M. Gabriela Fernandes, DI Gernot Kohl, MSc | Conception: Mag. Eva Schweighofer, Bakk., Jakob Leissing, MA, Mag. Daniela Kaser, MAS | Editors: Mag. Eva Schweighofer, Bakk., Jakob Leissing, MA | Translation: Mag. Andrea Aigner, Laura Zauner, MA | Proofreading: Mag. Mark Hammer, Jakob Leissing, MA, Anna Katharina Weißenbacher, MA, Dipl.-Päd. Marlene Hochreiter | Layout: Dipl.-Ing. Julia Machan, BA | Graphics Facts & Figures: Christoph Almasy, www.almasy.at | Fotos: Martin Lifka Photography (page 2 top, 2 bottom, 3 bottom, 5, 12, 15, 19 top, 20, 31, 33, 60, 74), Mario Ingerle (page 3 top, 21 top), Tama2u/Shutterstock.com (page 2 centre, 51), Werner Jäger (page 4 left), Markus Hintzen (page 4 right), Anna Achleitner (page 15 portrait top), Martin Kazík (page 15 portrait bottom), Carola Berger (page 16, 17, 22 left, 23 centre right, 26 left, 40), HTL St. Pölten (page 18), Siemens AG Österreich (page 19 left), Laura Breban (page 21 bottom), Foto Kraus (page 22 center, right, 23 left, centre left, right, 25, 26 centre, 26 rechts, 27, 36, 37, 39, 41), FH St. Pölten (page 22 right), Rauchecker Photography | sciencepics/ Shutterstock.com (page 43), Dr. Petra Schlick (page 38), Alex Klein (page 19 centre), AK Niederösterreich / Mannsberger (page 19 right) Print: Gerin Druck GmbH | Errors and printing errors excepted.

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